Campaign by Barnsley East MP for healthy hearts

A growing problem of heart disease in the Barnsley East constituency of Michael Dugher MP was highlighted during a heart awareness day.

The MP said he was determined to tackle the problem of heart related disease in the area and took part in the British Heart Foundation’s ‘Wear It Red’ day to highlight the estimated figure of around 13,700 people who have cardiovascular disease in Barnsley East.

He said it was estimated that in his constituency there are not only around 13,700 people living with cardiovascular disease, but there are also 5,003 people who have been diagnosed with coronary heart disease.

In addition to these startling figures he said it was estimated that around 16,088 people in the constituency had very high blood pressure and added to that there were around 6,061 people suffering with diabetes.

Mr Dugher said: “The figures show that 16,088 people suffer from high blood pressure in Barnsley East alone, which increases the risk of developing coronary heart disease or having a stroke.

The British Heart Foundation is campaigning for public awareness of its life saving research into cardiovascular disease.”

He added: “The British Heart Foundation is the largest independent funder of cardiovascular research anywhere and invests more than £100 million every year into research – This equates to £26.8 million in the Yorkshire and Humber region alone.”

Mr Dugher has previously worked closely with the British Heart Foundation and he is also the vice chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Heart Disease – a cross-party group of MPs working to raise awareness of the debilitating condition.

Speaking about the seriousness of the problem in his constituency Mr Dugher said: “I am very pleased to support the British Heart Foundation and the vital work that the organisation does in tackling cardiovascular disease.

He added: “Cardiovascular disease can ruin lives and the particularly high numbers of people suffering from the condition in Barnsley East highlights the need for the BHF’s life saving research.”